Pediatric Ankle Fractures: Successful Remodeling and Restoration Through Comprehensive Diagnosis and Conservative Management in a Diverse Context

TL;DR

A toddler with complex ankle fractures was successfully treated with conservative methods, highlighting the importance of careful diagnosis and follow-up in pediatric orthopedics.

Contribution

The paper presents a case study demonstrating effective conservative management of complex pediatric ankle fractures in a low socioeconomic context.

Findings

Conservative treatment with plaster casting led to successful remodeling and alignment in a toddler with multiple ankle fractures.

Comprehensive diagnosis and follow-up, including radiographic assessments, ensured no complications during recovery.

The case emphasizes the viability of conservative management in resource-limited settings when surgical indications are absent.

Abstract

Diagnosing toddler ankle fractures, especially those that affect several bones, can be difficult. The infrequency of such complex injuries, particularly in household environments, emphasizes the importance of increased awareness in diagnosing and managing these types of injuries.

We present a compelling case study of a 20-month-old toddler of a low socioeconomic background who sustained fractures in the ankle, calcaneus, tibia, and fibula after being trapped under furniture. The diagnostic process involved trauma guidelines, radiographic assessments, and axial CT scans. Conservative management, including an eight-week plaster cast, was chosen based on the careful consideration of the child's age, the nature of the fracture, and the absence of immediate surgical indications. The follow-up period involved radiographic assessments, as well as repeated regular clinical examinations, revealing consistent alignment and the absence of complications.

The successful outcome underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach, thoughtful treatment planning, and meticulous follow-up. Individualized care, considering both clinical and socioeconomic factors, proved crucial for optimal outcomes in pediatric orthopedics. The case contributes valuable insights into the evolving landscape of early childhood orthopedics, emphasizing the need for a discerning approach to diagnosing and managing complex fractures in this population. Conservative treatment could significantly assist when absolute surgical indications are lacking both in cases of minimal resources where multiple operations are not plausible and when the patient's social history raises awareness.

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